The first change is the most notable -- and probably the most controversial.

After initially saying that customers no longer were using the Start Button and thus it was gone for good, Microsoft took note of the noisy outcry surrounding this topic and changed its mind, allowing the Start Button to make a comeback in Windows 8.1.

...well, sort of. Instead of the traditional Start Button, which pops up a menu of apps (on the same screen) in Desktop Mode, the new "Start Button" yanks you out of Desktop Mode and drops you onto your "Modern UI" (aka "Metro") Home Page.

It's clear that this won't be the Start Button many Windows traditionalists were hoping for. But it does allow faster transitions to the Modern UI, for better or worse.

Microsoft has a full guide on the other new features here, and a Faq on Windows 8.1 Preview here. Microsoft warns that some systems with 32-bit Intel Corp. (INTC) Atom processors will need to update their drivers before running Windows 8.1.

To get the update itself, go to the Preview page, which will install the necessary updates, then take you to a download link in Windows Store for the main installer.

Microsoft's annual BUILD Conference for developers is kicking off today and runs through June 28.

Because why harp on something when you can change it for free in less than 20 seconds? Is this really worth getting so upset about?

I do believe Microsoft should have included an option for Classic View but they don't so I take 20 seconds and my Start is back and I move on. Its the same with IE I like Firefox better because of the add ons so I use Firefox I don't go on tyrannical rants how the end of days are coming because of Internet Explorer is not my favorite browser I change it to something I like and move on.

The thing is its an OS and as an OS it works fine. Dont like the tile interface then change it.

quote: Because why harp on something when you can change it for free in less than 20 seconds? Is this really worth getting so upset about?

So you really don't get it. Your answer to the massive unpopularity of a new feature or environment is that if you can change it sorta-kinda more to your liking, there's really no issue?

That's a great attitude. Hey car makers should just give you a few hamsters turning a wheel instead of an engine. If you don't like it, you can just change it! What's the big deal? Freaking brilliant...

quote: Its the same with IE I like Firefox better because of the add ons so I use Firefox I don't go on tyrannical rants how the end of days are coming because of Internet Explorer is not my favorite browser I change it to something I like and move on.

That isn't even CLOSE to being a good analogy. Windows 8 is analogous to a Firefox update completely removing the add ons, or making them totally aggravating and frustrating to utilize. For NO gain at all to you, the user.

A Firefox designed in the style of Windows 8 would remove the add-on menu, which can reside in a tab, and instead for no reason would open a gigantic full-screen "add on start menu" - completely monopolizing screen space. Oh and instead of the currently neatly organized and intuitive menu, the add ons would be arranged randomly with giant flat colored icons covering your screen. I use the word arranged loosely, because there would absolutely be no order at all!

Honestly if that's what you've been reduced to, being this much of a fanboi apologist, you've already lost. "Deal with it" is not a valid argument. People are bringing up points, if you cannot address these, you lose.

I don't bother to read your posts through anymore so you should keep them to one to two sentences. You provide nothing of value to this site ever. I have yet to read of you solving or offering anyting of value to its users other than to tell others how moronic they are when they have a difference of opinion than yours.

quote: I dont get why Mitch keeps defending MS on this. Even MS knows it was a huge mistake and is adding it back, at least partially.

I'm convinced Mitch is an MS employee or shareholder or something. Seriously nobody can possibly be THAT in the tank for MS. It doesn't matter on what subject or area, if it involves Microsoft he automatically takes their side no matter what. Even if his position is indefensible.

Mitch and I have gone head to head over Windows 8 months ago when the release candidate came out. I did everything in my power to convince him of his folly, but I might as well have been talking to a brick wall.

I think the important message here, Mitch, is that you're as wrong now as you were then. The fantasy is over, welcome to reality.

Oh and all you guys linking your little "fix" programs for Windows 8? Most of them are flawed in implementation or don't go far enough. There's only one way to "fix" Windows 8, and that is to kill the constant Metro vs. Desktop power struggle permanently and reinstate, FULLY, the Windows 7 Start menu.

Im convinced INSERT NAME works for INSERT COMPANY because they like a product that I do not agree with.

Sorry have never worked for Microsoft but I haven't ruled them out as a future opportunity. I do make a good living supporting their products. I am the highest level of engineer on certain products of theirs and when there is an issue have to dial into their support lines. In a few cases Ive worked along side Microsoft Rangers.

While were at it Im also working with Google too with their search appliance.

I also often throw Linux a bone.

I need to stop responding to you because like before I find your posts useless and of no value. If anything you made me dislike Samsung products.

And how have you been providing "value" when you gloss over everyone's complaints, because they can install a band-aid third party program that adds more OS functionality than what came out of the box? You realize that's not debating the points, but a deflection, right?

"A politician stumbles over himself... Then they pick it out. They edit it. He runs the clip, and then he makes a funny face, and the whole audience has a Pavlovian response." -- Joe Scarborough on John Stewart over Jim Cramer